Fresh moves to secure the future of the euro were under way last night as President Sarkozy of France rushed to Frankfurt to tell Angela Merkel that Europe faces disaster if she persists in blocking plans to expand the bailout fund.

It came as David Cameron brought forward a key vote on whether Britain should hold a referendum on leaving Europe from late next week to Monday, to ensure that he can take part in the debate before leaving on a trip to Australia. Last night 70 Conservative MPs had signed a motion calling for a referendum, amid signs that